Some might be sober; some might be struggling. Some may want to mentor others, while others want to observe and participate less. An AA meeting refers to an Alcoholics Anonymous support group meeting. Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people who have experienced problems with drinking. Anyone who has a desire to do something about their drinking can join.
The members of each meeting decide when, where, and how often they will meet. Often, the next step is to read a passage from the Big Book and reinforcement about the importance of member privacy and anonymity. Meetings typically close with a prayer, moment of silence, recitation of the Responsibility Statement, or by reading a section of another A.A. Meetings are opened by the chair, with some meetings then calling for recitation of the Serenity Prayer or a moment of silence.
AA Big Book Study
It is probably safer to confide in your sponsor or a trusted friend when getting feedback about some issues. Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) is an international program focused on supporting people during alcohol recovery, with a goal of helping them achieve and sustain sobriety. Meetings cost nothing to attend and are available almost everywhere. We do not impose our experience with problem drinking on others, but we do share it when we are asked to do so. We know our own sobriety depends on connecting with other alcoholics. Be of service by sharing your experience, strength and hope with fellow alcoholics, new and old, around the world.
How did you get sober?
All treatment calls are accepted by drug and alcohol centers advertising with the Call Affiliate LLC network. Sobriety is about dealing with life without having to use a substance like alcohol to help you cope. Individuals living in North America can find a local A.A. Meeting via the Alcoholics Anonymous website. Alternatively, it also allows site visitors to select a specific state or region, providing all meeting locations in that area. The format of the meetings is different as well.
Research suggests that attending meetings can lead to positive outcomes for many AA participants. Meetings welcome attendees from court programs and treatment facilities. The strength of our program lies in the voluntary nature of membership in A.A.; however many of us first attended meetings because we were pressured to by someone else.
At heart, all meetings are about sharing stories, reaching out for help, and offering support to others. These people all made it, and all of them have been where we are. Following his hospital discharge, Wilson joined the Oxford Group and tried to recruit other alcoholics to the group. These early efforts to help others kept him sober, but were ineffective in getting anyone else to join the group and get sober. Dr. Silkworth suggested that Wilson place less stress on religion (as required by The Oxford Group) and more on the science of treating alcoholism.
Once the prayer is over, the meeting ends. Just as in the movies, everyone responds with, "Hello (first name)!" After they complete their "story" everyone in the room thanks them. You may choose to speak at your first AA meeting, or you might opt to simply observe and listen. This can help take the pressure off during your first meeting, giving you time to get more comfortable and familiar with how meetings work.
Bill Wilson and Marty Mann served on the High Watch board of directors for many years. High Watch was the first and therefore the oldest 12-step-based treatment center in the world still operating today. These same formats may be applied to group meetings on the Big Book or the Twelve Traditions. Many groups make it a practice to read aloud pertinent material from the Big Book or Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions at the beginning of the meeting. Big Book studies are where the group reads a section of the book Alcoholics Anonymous together and people share about their understanding of the passage. In these shares, members usually relate the reading to their own life experience.
AA Discussions Meetings
Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people who come together to solve their drinking problem. It doesn’t cost anything to attend A.A. There are no age or education requirements to participate.
Members share their experiences, strength, and hope to help each other stay sober and improve their lives. We are united by a common problem; – alcohol. Through meetings and talking with other alcoholics we are somehow able to stay sober. We lose the compulsion to drink which was once the dominant force in our lives. AA utilizes a 12-step recovery model that focuses on applying specific principles as people work toward sobriety.
One member, Barb M., relates that the thing she was most relieved about was the non-imposing feel that she got when she first began attending meetings. The chairperson asks if any newcomers or first-timers are attending the meeting who would like to introduce themselves by their first name. You may or may not be one of them as this is an option and not mandatory. Proof of attendance at meetings is not part of A.A.’s procedure.
Information for people who may have a drinking problem. Also useful for those in contact with such people. Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by substance use group ideas the world’s most powerful AI technology.
New attendees are then encouraged to introduce themselves, though they don't have to if they aren't comfortable doing so. Others attend due to pressure from a loved one or because they are required by the court, such as after being arrested for drunk driving. As it is widely known, was founded in 1935 by Bill W. sudden onset alcohol intolerance While each of these men had their own journey of recovery, it wasn't until they met face to face that they realized the power of speaking with a "fellow sufferer" for achieving complete sobriety.
- One member, Barb M., relates that the thing she was most relieved about was the non-imposing feel that she got when she first began attending meetings.
- One person sits in the middle of the circle.
- Afterward, different members of the meeting read sections of AA literature, including the "Alcoholic Anonymous" book (commonly referred to as "The Big Book") and "Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions."
- Closed meetings, on the other hand, are for those with an alcohol misuse problem.
You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance. The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge. AA is not a religious organization, but it does signs you were roofied include references to a “higher power” in its 12 Steps. This higher power can be interpreted in many ways, and you do not need to have a specific religious belief to benefit from AA.
Who Can Join Alcoholics Anonymous
Feeling a little nervous about going to your first AA meeting is normal! Learning more about how meetings work and what happens during a meeting can help you feel more comfortable. Each meeting is different but may focus on sharing personal experiences, discussing different steps of AA, or listening to scheduled speakers. At both types of meetings, it may be requested that participants confine their discussion to matters pertaining to recovery from alcoholism. There are a variety of formats for A.A. Meetings and each meeting takes on the feel of their local area.